JAMMU, Jan 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir emphasized on Sunday that Republic Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and martyrs who have paved the way for this significant day. He highlighted our collective duty to ensure that the aspirations of the youth are not obstructed by divisive elements.
The Lt Governor ceremoniously hoisted the national flag and conducted an inspection of the well-presented personnel from the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, J&K Police, Armed Police, IRP, fire and emergency services, NCC cadets, Bharat Scouts and Girl Guides, forest protection forces, and school children.
Pipe bands from various uniformed forces and schools performed nationalistic tunes throughout the parade.
The contingents marched past the podium where the Lt Governor received their salute as flowers were showered from a helicopter.
The LG remarked, “This day serves as a reminder of the fundamental values embedded in the Constitution of India. It is a day for pride, reflection, and reaffirmation of our dedication to democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and brotherhood. Let us pay tribute to our freedom fighters and martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our homeland. I extend profound gratitude to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, whose unwavering commitment and sacrifices uphold the unity, integrity, and security of our nation. Beyond merely protecting our borders, they are the pillars of peace and stability for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their extraordinary bravery and service inspire us to strive for a united, secure, and prosperous India.”
“On this significant day, I express my heartfelt thanks to all individuals contributing to the advancement of our Union Territory—farmers, artisans, educators, healthcare professionals, security personnel, athletes, and government officials. Your commitment and efforts form the foundation of our shared success. Jammu and Kashmir has long been a land of unity amidst diversity. We take great pride in our rich culture and long-standing traditions of brotherhood. It is our collective duty to maintain peace and harmony, ensuring that the dreams of our youth are not thwarted by divisive forces. Our journey has been marked by resilience and determination, with remarkable achievements in various fields,” LG Sinha stated.
He added, “Jammu and Kashmir, with its rich heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, has always played a crucial role in this journey. The successful conduct of Assembly Elections highlights the positive transformations underway, with credit to all citizens who engaged in this democratic process, showcasing their faith in our democratic principles and the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The populace now looks to the government with renewed hopes for an environment that fosters meaningful employment, sustainable development, social inclusivity, and robust economic growth, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for everyone,” he explained.
“To further enhance and guarantee broader public involvement, elections for local bodies will be conducted, establishing a three-tier governance structure. Good governance is essential for a flourishing and harmonious future and is vital for nurturing peace, development, and inclusivity in the region. By concentrating on transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric policies, the government prioritizes empowering local communities through participatory decision-making and equitable resource distribution. Initiatives like digital governance, streamlined public services, and socio-economic programs aim to close developmental gaps and increase public trust,” the LG elaborated.
He noted that Jammu and Kashmir has successfully made 1,166 online public services accessible through the e-Unnat portal, integrating 501 e-services with the Rapid Assessment System (RAS). A total of 387 services fall under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA), and 104 government services have been integrated with DigiLocker for improved document security and accessibility.
The region aspires to achieve full compliance with reforms that promote ease of doing business. The JK SAMADHAN platform has been established for the online resolution of public grievances, processing approximately 300 complaints daily. Another initiative, ‘Raabta,’ is a groundbreaking program designed to strengthen connections between the government and the public, he stated.
The economy of Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a growth rate of 9.5 percent, driven by sustained governmental initiatives and strategic policy measures. He also remarked, “The tourism industry has the power to transform our entire economy, significantly contributing to employment generation and the support of local businesses. This year, J&K has seen a record 2.36 crore tourist visits until November 2024. The Gulmarg Gondola has drawn 7.68 lakh tourists, generating Rs 103 crore in revenue during 2024,” he noted.
To capitalize on this momentum and improve the tourism experience, he shared that several major projects are currently underway. “A modern water park is being developed at Dwara Village, close to the Sidhra Golf Course, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Basohli is also being transformed into an adventure tourism hotspot. Additionally, a vertical lift project is being installed to connect Peerkho with the Mubarak Mandi Complex, improving accessibility and facilitating easier visits to this historical site.”
The celebrations concluded at MAM Stadium with cultural programs and physical demonstrations by school students, highlighted by impressive daredevil acts performed by the motorcyclists of the J&K Police.
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